CMA stars Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley as hosts

Dancing with the Stars impressed me again last night with two amazing dance numbers. Lacey and Benji did a countrified version of a swing dance to Brad Paisley’s Ticks, then the pros performed a saucy number to Brad’s second tune. The best bet of the night was the return of Julianne, who Jived her little heart out to Great Balls of Fire beside her brother, Derek.

This was the dance that the viewers put together by voting on various elements online. The costumes were designed by a viewer who not only got to go to the show, she and her husband ended up in the number! It’s time for the semi-finale and I’m thrilled. No insult intended Maurice, but I’m glad to see him eliminated in favor of keeping Cody on board. I’ll bet he never expected to make it this far but I’m glad he did.

I watched the first few minutes of Blush last night. It’s very Shear Genius in the feel and it has the usual cast of wacky personalities. I found this to be amusing since, in all my years working the industry, I’ve never met a wacky make-up person, they’re always straightforward, hardworking pros. Still, I think I’m going to like this show.

I need another catch up day to clear my DVR but it’s not going to happen tonight!

Tonight On TV – Wednesday, November 12

ABC fills the night with country music at The 42nd Annual CMA Awards.

The CW takes up the other slot on my DVR with America’s Next Top Model, and then the stylists must style Anne on Stylista.

CBS lightens the mood with The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Gary Unmarried, then it’s Criminal Minds and CSI: NY.

Booth’s brother puts in an appearance on Fox’s Bones, and that’s followed by a rerun of House. NBC is tops on my list with Knight Rider, a murder in a mall on Life, and a mentally challenged witness on Law & Order.

Over on cable

Big news on the cable front, it’s the return of Top Chef! Tune in to Bravo at 10 p.m. to meet the new contestants as they descend on New York for another cooking battle.

SCI FI Channel has another new game show premiering tonight. Estate of Panic forces the contestants to face their fears in a “haunted” house where walls move, rooms fill with water and there’s a scare around every bend. It’s Fear Factor meets Big Brother and it’s also on at 10 p.m.

News and notable

NBC has renewed Days of Our Lives but only for 18 months.

John Schneider, Brooke Nevin and Roma Downey have been cast in the Hallmark movie Wedding Dance.

HBO is developing a series called Scar Tissue based on the life of Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis.

American Idol Gives Back is reporting grants of $64 million dollars going out to six charities including the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Save the Children; Children’s Defense Fund; and Make It Right, and Pitt’s campaign to help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.